* Check the Fire Danger Rating for your destination on the Emergency website emergency.vic.gov.au as you may not have phone reception across regional Victoria

What are Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans?

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire would be if it started. A Total Fire Ban sets legal restrictions on activities that may start a fire, including restrictions on barbecues and campfires. On a Total Fire Ban day, campfires are not allowed, only gas and electric barbecues are allowed if you follow the regulations.

Check if a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the area you are visiting. Be aware of grassfires when you’re travelling. Grassfire can move at speeds of up to 25 km/hr and jump highways.

For more information about Total Fire Bans, visit the CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au

On Severe or Extreme Fire Danger Rating days, it's safer to travel to cities and towns.

Never travel into a high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red Fire Danger Rating has been forecast

Hiking & Camping

The warmer months are the perfect time to experience regional Victoria. However, Victoria is fire-prone. If you are hiking or camping between November to April in an area that is heavily forested, has thick bush or long, dry grass, or coastal areas with lots of plant life – you are at risk of fire. Follow these bushfire safety tips to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable.

Burning Off on Public Land

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and partner agencies conduct planned burns on public land. This aims to protect communities and infrastructure from the risk of bushfire, and can also benefit local ecology.

Controlled burns are mostly in autumn, when the weather and fuel conditions are best for this work. Burns may also take place in spring.

Smoke from planned burns is often noticeable and can cause anxiety. If you are concerned about smoke or fire on public land, please call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies/planned-burns to confirm the locations of planned burns.